Politics, Entertainment and Lifestyle from South India

India’s first batch of female fighter pilots to start from June 18

In what is a perfect gift to women of the country on Women’s Day, the Indian Air Force announced that the first batch of female fighter pilots will start their duties on June 18 this year.

“As of now three women trainees have volunteered to join the fighter stream. They are under the second phase of their training. Once they complete their training and are at par with their male colleagues and the passing out parade is scheduled on June 18th,” said Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

The three pilots will be commissioned that day after the passing out parade and and become the first women officers in the fighter stream. Later, they will go to the advanced jet training, and later proceed to the regular squads.

The government had in October lat year approved their induction in combat roles.

“I must thank the defence minister for having approved IAF’s proposal to induct women as fighter pilots and very soon on June 18 this year, Indian Air Force will get its first woman fighter pilot,” Raha said at a seminar on women in uniform in the Army Medical Corps here.